1 Thing you need to do when brushing your teeth!
Not rinsing immediately after brushing your teeth is a technique we recommend because it allows the fluoride (or hydroxyapatite) from the toothpaste to remain on your teeth for a longer period, which can provide additional protection against tooth decay. Here's why we recommend this practice:
TLDR: DO NOT RINSE AFTER BRUSHING. Spit. That’s it.
1. Fluoride (or hydroxyapatite) protection:
Toothpaste typically contains fluoride, a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and bacteria. When you brush your teeth and then spit out the excess toothpaste without rinsing, a thin layer of fluoride remains on your teeth. This residual fluoride continues to work and provide protection against cavities throughout the day.
2. Prolonged exposure:
Rinsing your mouth immediately after brushing can wash away the fluoride before it has a chance to work effectively. Wait at least 30 minutes before rinsing to allow the fluoride to adhere to your teeth and penetrate the enamel, enhancing its protective benefits.
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3. Minimizing dilution:
Rinsing with water or mouthwash immediately after brushing can dilute the concentration of fluoride left on your teeth. Keeping the residual toothpaste on your teeth helps maintain a higher fluoride concentration for a longer time.
We use fluoride in this post because it is the most researched ingredient. There have been promising results with hydroxyapatite - just limited studies. Personally, we are trying out the hydroxyapatite to see if it is beneficial.
Some individuals prefer to rinse their mouths or have specific dental needs that require different practices. It's always a good idea to discuss your oral hygiene routine with your dentist or dental hygienist to determine what's best for your specific dental health.
As always we are accepting new patients at our Northwest Portland practice. Come see us!
